Kids love the therapy ball. Also called an exercise ball, Swiss ball, stability ball and a number of other names, the therapy ball is large and easy for children to manipulate. From exercising muscles, improving balance, building coordination and learning new skills, the therapy ball is an inexpensive and versatile tool to keep kids active and healthy.
Basic Ball Skills
Learning to throw and catch a ball can be tricky for some children. The large size of a therapy ball makes it simpler to manipulate for basic toss and catch action. As skills improve, the movements can become more challenging. For example, children can pass the ball to another child while stepping in a sideways motion. This also improves eye-hand coordination. Even toddlers can get in on the fun by rolling the ball to another person and putting their arms out to receive it back. An extra benefit is that young children can learn the concept of turn-taking through simple ball play. Kicking the ball is another basic skill that will benefit children of all ages. Children eventually can become involved in relays, races and a number of other group games with therapy balls.
Exercise Muscles
Performing exercises with a therapy ball can strengthen arm, leg and core muscles in children. Core muscles are those deep abdominal and back muscles that stabilize and support the body as it moves. One exercise is a trunk extension exercise. An adult places some toys or objects on the floor next to the therapy ball. Then the child lays on her stomach on the ball while the adult holds her by the hips. The child reaches down to pick up the objects on the floor and then extends forward to place them on a nearby table. Another exercise a child may enjoy is laying on his stomach on a therapy ball, with his hands touching the floor. Then he uses his hands to move around in a circle.
Balance and Posture
Sitting on a therapy ball can help improve balance and posture as it engages the abdominal, gluteal and leg muscles. Therapy balls come in various sizes, including sizes appropriate for children. A child should be able to sit on the ball with hips and knees at a 90 degree angle, feet flat on the floor. For proper positioning the child should sit on the center of the ball with her knees in line over her ankles. Her shoulders should be in line over her body and her head directly over her neck. Adding simple exercises while balanced on the ball will help develop coordination and sensory awareness.
Help for ADHD and Disabilities
Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often have trouble sitting and paying attention. In a 2003 article "Classroom Seating for Children with ADHD: Therapy Balls versus Chairs," physical therapist Denise Schilling, et al, stated that writing legibility and in-seat behavior of children with ADHD improved when they sat on therapy balls as opposed to traditional classroom seating. Physical therapists also use therapy balls to help children improve muscle tone and coordination. Educators Christine Stopka, Ann Goodman and Claudia Siders report that using therapy balls for children with severe, profound and multiple disabilities is beneficial. Sensory stimulation, group work, building confidence, aiming skills and just plain having fun are all positive results of using therapy balls in student activities.
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